Jotunheim

The Realm of the Jotun

Jotunheim was the realm created by Othin from the body of Ymir. It is a hard realm of rock and ice; tundra grass covers the land where the great herds graze.

Jotunheim is often known as the land of giants, a misnomer that assumes all teh Jotunar are simply giants stock. This is both true and untrue. While the Jotunar are giant in stature, as their ancestor Ymir was, they are not mindless giants who feast on the bones of men. The Jotunar are creatures of civilization who write poetry, make artworks, and keep warm halls filled with hearty foods. It is true that they have no love for mankind, keeping them for slaves when they find them, but they are not simply mindless monsters.

The Jotunar often war with the realms of the other gods because it is their nature. They have an impressive military organization and every Jotunar is a trained soldier in their armies. Far from the disorganized rabble they are often depicted as, they prefer to fight in close formations and with clever tactics. Often they use human slaves in their ranks, usually as chaff against incoming attacks.

There was a time when the pathways between Midgard and Jotunheim were numerous. The giants would raid the middle realm for slaves, taking people from their beds in the night. It was at this time that Thor and Sif became well regarded as defenders of mankind and waged war against the Jotunar with various Aesir and Vanir allies. In the end, most of the pathways were shut and the Jotunar became a distant memory in these lands.

The Jotunar are a fairly reclusive people, they do not hear or care for the plights and affairs of mankind. They parlay with the kingdoms of Asgard and Vanaheim as needed, but prefer to make dealings with the elves and dwarves. Hel has no place for the Jotunar, the goddess allows them to lay their dead in eternal slumber within the mountains of their home. Though they cannot be woken, they are not beyond the call of Ragnarok.

  • Even by the standard of the gods, the Jotunar are physically imposing beings. Often in stories we use giants to represent a massive opponent or obstacle; frequently they are opponents that cannot be overcome with physical power and must be defeated through cunning. This has led to the general belief that giants are stupid or lack cunning, or are naturally unthinking and evil.

    The Jotunar posses all of the faculties and potentials of the other children of the elder brothers. They are not more primitive or lacking in tradition or culture. They are different primarily in that they are not very concerned with the happenings out side of their own realm (aside from the acquisition of resources and slaves)

  • In these times, generally not. Thor, Sif, and their children have sealed the ways between Midgard and Jotunheim, and it has been ages since any have crossed between these realms.

    The Jotunar still engage in trading and raiding among the Asgard, Vanaheim, Svartlfaheim, and Alfheim. There are many ancient pacts between the Jotunar and those realms that are still honored.

  • This is a matter of some debate. It appears they do, but what powers they have are not connected with Midgard in any significant ways. There are Jotunar who live among the Aesir and the Vanir who have aspects that are entrusted to them and who have influence with our world; but we see them as full members of the Aesir and Vanir rather than members of the Jotunar.

    There is clarity that the Jotunar are unconcerned with Midgard other than to take its resources for their own ends.

  • The Jotunar do not hear your calls, they cannot respond, and if they could they have no love or consideration for mankind.

    There have been groups in the past who have tried to pledge themselves to the Jotunar and make oaths with them. Not only did they Jotunar ignore them, they attracted the furious attention of the All-father. In the end, Loki offered to broker an oath between the group and the Jotunar. The rest of their short lives were lived as slaves or as prey for various games of sport.